New Waitrose.....Superb!

New Waitrose officially opens in Stanford Road, Lymington

After 36 years retailing in Lymington, Waitrose has dropped anchor at its new Lymington home in Stanford Road – just 0.2 miles from its old location. The branch replaces Waitrose’s existing store on St.Thomas’ Street, which closed on Tuesday 7th November.  It was previously a Morrisons and is one of six supermarkets that Waitrose has recently acquired.

LDC was there in eager anticipation at the press launch with our new full time photographer/ designer Jordan and a gaggle of giddy girls who were in their element! (You know who you are!) Our first impressions....Wow! You won't believe the difference and there has plainly been some serious work going on there over the past few weeks. I was particularly taken by the atmosphere amongst the Staff who were all gleaming with a sense of pride in what they'd collectively achieved under what must have been quite a bit of time pressure. Hat's off to John Lewis of course who obviously know how to run a company that people actually want to work for.

The move to Stanford Road in Lymington means customers can enjoy better access – with 310 parking spaces; greater choice and services – thanks to a new in-store pharmacy and café, as well as Waitrose new Quick Check Service which allows customers to scan as they shop to give a faster and unrivalled shopping experience. In terms of the Pharmacy you'll be delighted to hear the wonderful Peter T Williams MRPharmS is still there thankfully - pictured below and even has a very posh Consultation Room now to boot! The cafe is spotless of course and I suspect will become a bit of a meeting point in the town.

Customers can now benefit from everything you would expect from a branch of the award winning supermarket group, with 27,000sq ft dedicated to top quality foods, meat and fish counters and unmatched service.

Food on sale from local suppliers includes New Forest Barramundi based in Lymington.  Barramundi is an Aboriginal word meaning large-scaled fish.  The natural habitat for the fish is Australia and Asia and it is renowned for its firm white flesh and great taste.  Until now, it has not been possible to buy fresh Barramundi in the UK or the rest of Europe every day, but New Forest Barramundi’s sustainable methods of production ensure Waitrose customers can now obtain a healthy and enjoyable eating experience.

Branch Manager, Jon Williets, welcomed the first customers at 8:30am on Thursday (9th November) morning saying “Our new branch at Stanford Road gives us the opportunity to give customers a great shopping experience. The improved access and even greater choice of high quality food means there will be something in store to suit all tastes.” (Congratulations from us at LDC to Jon of course...they don't leave these flagship stores in just anyone's hands you know so he's clearly a rising star in the organisation!)

All Partners at the Waitrose supermarket in St.Thomas’ Street Lymington were offered the opportunity to transfer to the new branch.  Where possible, staff from the old Morrisons were also given the opportunity to transfer to the new store and are entitled to become Waitrose Partners and share in the unique benefits of employee ownership, including a share of profits which are paid annually as a Partnership Bonus.

Waitrose sells about 1,500 organic products, 55 different types of fish and seafood, fresh pastas and more than 100 different cheeses. The supermarket also enjoys one of the best reputations for dealing with farmers and suppliers and was recently named the UK’s Greenest Supermarket* by The National Consumer Council.

Waitrose currently has 183 branches dedicated to offering quality fresh food, value and customer service. Nationally, Waitrose has almost 4% share of the retail food market.

The first shop was opened in 1904, in Acton by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor. The John Lewis Partnership acquired the business in 1937 and the first Waitrose supermarket opened in 1955.

Before leaving I had a lovely chat with Ron Palmer who was the first Manager of the original branch and what a nice man he is too. It is very satisfying indeed to witness generations of success and a Company which does everything so well and profitably whilst also recognising that its lifeblood are the Staff and The Customers. My only concern of course is for my own pocket which has suddenly become increasingly vulnerable! JS

All photos © Lymington Dot Com Limited 2006

Lisa Woodhouse, Jon Williets – Waitrose Lymington Branch Manager, Ron Palmer (ex- Waitrose Lymington Branch Manager) and Peter Williams

Some of our favourite faces above and below!

Peter Williams who's always nice to us even if we have got the lurgy!

A Jordan special!